Things To Do In Chiang Mai

One of the most enjoyable activities to do in Chiang Mai is go kayaking as there is no prerequisite expertise level for this endeavor. Not having swimming skills is also not a requirement for participation in this activity. Chiang Mai kayaking provides access to previously uncharted jungle regions as paddling through the jungles is a relaxing way to spend time and can even be energizing. On both banks of the river, you can observe traditional village life as it is lived by indigenous peoples.

Get to Chiang Mai so you can watch the sunrise over the city from the top of the mountain where the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located. One of the best activities to do in Chiang Mai is to go to the temple of Wat Phra That Doi, which can be found atop the stunningly beautiful Doi Suthep mountain. After climbing the temple's 309 steps to enjoy an amazing sunrise view of Chiang Mai city. You also get to visit the golden Kruba Srivichai Monument and learn about the everyday activities of Thai monks. At Wat Pha Lat, a hidden temple in the midst of a verdant forest awaits your discovery. Finally, visit Wat Umong to see the 700-year-old temple, explore the surrounding forest and a network of underground tunnels.

Bamboo rafting is one of the enjoyable activities to do in Chiang Mai, and the perfect alternative to hiking through the jungle. There will be no need for heavy walking; instead, you can simply lounge on your bamboo raft and take in the sights. You'll find that your pace of life slows to match the steady rhythm of the jungle as there are patches of sunlight and shadow, and the raft weaves between them. During the trip, you can stay cool and alert thanks to the water that seeps in through the gaps in the lashed bamboo. The Mae Wang River is a popular destination for rafting trips due to its reputation as an excellent bamboo rafting river. Due to the river’s low depth and placid surface, you can enjoy a leisurely float on a bamboo boat while viewing spectacular rapids. You will also love reliving this historic means to travel between riverside settlements.

Experiencing a night to remember as you are dining and sailing along the picturesque Ping River is one of the memorable activities to do in Chiang Mai. You can educate yourself about Thai culture while enjoying the sights of Chiang Mai's top attractions. One of the two major rivers that feed into the pristine Chao Phraya River in northwest Thailand is the Ping. Indulge in a delicious spread of authentic Thai food at a buffet while you take in the sights of this magnificent metropolis.

The national park surrounding Thailand's highest peak is home to many of the stunning landscapes that draw tourists to the country. Thus going on a strenuous hike up the mountain, or taking it easy and just strolling through the park is one of the relaxing activities to do in Chiang Mai. In addition to the two pagodas erected in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, there are a number of waterfalls and a hill tribe village to visit.

Taking the plunge from this remote location combines the rush of adrenaline with the calm of nature, making it the ideal setting for facing your greatest fears. Bungy jumping from a height of 50 meters into the stunning landscapes is one of the adrenaline-pumping activities to do in Chiang Mai. A trained instructor briefs you on the sport of bungee jumping as they secure you with a large elastic cord and other safety equipment at the location. You'll get a certificate of courage for completing this activity.

Experiment with one of Asia's longest ziplines, spanning 765 meters across 26 lines, 55 platforms, three abseils, and three sky bridges. It's a must-do if you're in the area, and one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai overall. Chiang Mai is home to many zipline sites which give you a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the lush jungle and all of its inhabitants. At any time of day, you can take advantage of the spiral staircase, stunning vistas, and "Net walking" available at this location.

The best street food can be found at the Chiang Mai Gate, where vendors set up shop every evening, and trying the food here is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai. They sell everything from pad kra pow, a spicy meat dish with basil, to the ideal dessert of fresh mango sticky rice with coconut milk. The market is open seven days a week, but weekends aren't the best time to visit because fewer vendors set up shop then.

There's no need to stress about where to find weekend street shopping because Chiang Mai is home to a wide variety of specialty markets. And, going for delicious food and unique souvenirs at the Sunday Walking Street is one of the satisfying things to do in Chiang Mai. Rachadamnoen Road, which starts right behind Thapae Gate and runs through the center of the market, is the main thoroughfare. Here, you can find stalls selling handmade soaps, Christmas ornaments, dolls, jewelry, lamps, clothes, regional handicrafts, and pretty much any other souvenir you can think of.

Exploring the Elephant Nature Park is one of the things to do in Chiang Mai that allows you to spend a day with elephants, including feeding them and giving them a bath in the river. Most of the elephants at ENP were rescued after harsh lives as show or labor animals, but they are now treated with kindness and respect. Spending the day here will open your eyes to the plight of elephants and provide you with an intimate experience with these majestic animals. Transportation and lunch are provided for volunteers, and all proceeds go toward groundskeeping and animal care. Remember to schedule in advance because volunteer opportunities tend to fill up quickly.

Spending a day away from the city exploring this destination is one of the highly recommended things to do in Chiang Mai. The tranquil wooded area around the falls is a nice bonus, but the main attraction is the fact that you can walk up the falls themselves. You can climb all over the place because the limestone remains "sticky" even when water flows over it. The place gets pretty busy on the weekends, so if you can, try to visit during the week instead.

One of the most fun things to do in Chiang Mai is pretending to ride a giant wave, flying on a magic carpet, or standing in the middle of an erupting volcano at Art in Paradise. There are plenty of great photo ops to be had at this illusion art museum, which features 3D artwork with an incredibly realistic effect. More than 130 photographs cover topics as diverse as the ocean, animals, Ancient Egypt, and European metropolises, and are organized into six distinct sections. It's recommended to allot a minimum of two hours to wander around and take pictures in the various settings.